Monday, March 8, 2010

Harbinger of Spring

In much of North America, one of the most cheerful harbingers of spring is the song of the red winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) These handsome birds frequent marshy areas (often bounded by willow trees, which are usually the first trees to put out shoots- I am tempted to bust out the Robert Frost, "Nature's first green is gold..."), where they add a welcome dash of color to the background hues of cattails and marsh grass.

Yesterday, I heard the song of the male blackbird for the first time this year. It was a welcome reminder that, despite the huge piles of dirty snow that still dot area roadways, spring is imminent.

7 comments:

Sydney
said...

Many people believe it is the robin that signals Spring is on it's way. I will admit, I used to be one of them. Then a boyfriend (ex now) informed me it was the red winged blackbird. I look for them now, I envy that you have. You have given me hope.

I hear birds in our Santa Monica Mountains on my morning walk with the dog, but I am unable to see birds. Much as I can see flowers and plants anywhere, I can be standing directly in front of a bird, and somehow I can't see it.

I love the song of a redwinged blackbird - even tho I can never see them.

I am not a fan of those particular avian attack dogs. Those territorial sonsabitches dive bomb me multiple times every time I take a long ride during their nesting season. I never have that problem with robins.

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The Big Bad Bald Bastard is a character played by Monsieur _______ of the City of Y______. The role of the Bastard is a handy one to play on subways, walking the streets, and in dive-bars, when being a nerdy, bookish sort is not to one's advantage.